A Personal View of Gothic Literature

Summary: Although it does place an emphasis on mystery and horror, Gothic literature is more than just a collection of horror stories. It also allowed for the expression of desires, fears, and beliefs, particularly given a time when technology and science had more of an impact. Frankenstein, Turn of the Screw, Wuthering Heights, and The Monk of Horror are examples of Gothic literature that convey strong and significant messages.

I do not agree with the statement that gothic literature is nothing more than a collection of old horror stories. A type of romantic fiction that dominated English literature in the C18th and C19th, the gothic genre does emphasise mystery and horror. Although the basic plot of most gothic literature includes stereotypical conventions, and an atmosphere of gloom and foreboding to make for a typical horror story, the underlining themes, symbols and writing techniques make the Gothic genre much more than just that. Gothic literature was used as a way to express desires, fears and beliefs that were unspoken of during that era. It was also a time when technology and science were beginning to make more of an impact, with many people having undeclared fears about the limits of scientific discovery. The core texts, Frankenstein and Turn of the Screw and supplementary texts, Wuthering Heights...